Smoke lingered over Redstone Valley long after the battle ended. Broken weapons, shattered shields, and torn banners were scattered across the ground. The air still smelled of blood and burnt mana.
Blackridge soldiers moved quietly among the fallen, collecting equipment and helping the wounded. Medics worked nonstop, binding injuries and stabilizing the exhausted fighters. Though victory was theirs, the cost was visible on every face.
Arin sat against a rock, breathing slowly. His arm throbbed from the mana backlash, and his chest felt tight, but he forced himself to stay conscious. Lyra knelt beside him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder and channeling healing mana.
"Don't move too much," she said softly. "Your mana channels are strained."
"I'll survive," Arin replied with a weak smile.
Nearby, Rynor cleaned his sword while Jaren distributed water to the soldiers. Both looked tired, but their eyes were bright with pride. Captain Bren organized patrols to prevent surprise attacks, while Kelsin recorded casualties and captured equipment.
Victor Ravenholt was brought forward shortly after.
His armor was cracked, his expression empty. Two soldiers forced him to kneel before Arin.
He looked up slowly. "You planned this… from the beginning."
Arin met his gaze calmly. "You walked into it willingly."
Victor laughed bitterly. "My uncle underestimated you."
"Yes," Arin replied. "And you paid for it."
The prisoners were separated and guarded. Arin ordered that no unnecessary cruelty be used. Many soldiers were surprised by this, but it only deepened their respect.
That night, the army returned to Blackridge.
Torches lined the streets. Villagers waited nervously at first, then erupted in cheers when they saw the banners of victory. Children ran alongside the soldiers. Old men bowed. Merchants smiled in relief.
Blackridge had survived.
In the command hall, Arin held a meeting with his core members.
"We can't relax," he said seriously. "Ravenholt won't stop here. This defeat will only make him more dangerous."
Selene nodded. "He will gather stronger forces. Possibly Masters or high Arcane Experts next time."
Rynor tightened his grip on his sword. "Then we'll become stronger."
Jaren grinned. "Simple."
Lyra looked at Arin quietly. "You almost died today."
Arin was silent for a moment. Then he replied, "That's why I need to grow faster."
The system responded.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Leadership Consolidation Complete]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Soldier Loyalty Increased]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Wartime Authority Stabilized]
Later that night, alone in his room, Arin opened his status panel.
[PLAYER PROFILE – ARIN ELDORIA
Strength: 8
Mana: 7
Speed: 8
Endurance: 7
Intelligence: 13
Charisma: 13
Sword Path: Apprentice
Mage Path: Spell Apprentice
Leadership Path: Recognized Lord
Growth Potential: SSS
System Authority: Level 2
Territory Authority: Level 2
Bloodline Progress: 7%
]
He stared at it for a long time.
"I'm still far from strong," he murmured. "But now… I'm no longer helpless."
Outside his window, Blackridge slept peacefully.
For the first time since his exile, Arin felt something close to security.
But deep in the capital, plans were already being rewritten.
And the next storm was forming.